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Music icon and social activist Meek Mill has spoken out about the international outcry following the recent arrest of Chicago rapper Lil Durk.
On October 28, 2024, Meek Mill took to his X account and reshared a clip of Durk's fans protesting on the streets for his release. The American rapper suggested on X that the situation is more critical than just street-level issues —
"It's really bigger than the streets!" Meek Mill tweeted.
The statement follows the recent arrest of Lil Durk, who, according to NPR, was taken into custody on suspicion related to a murder-for-hire plot involving rapper Quando Rondo in 2022.
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Meek Mill addresses Ghanaian fans protesting Lil Durk's arrest
On Monday, Meek Mill commented on a video circulating online that captured residents of Ghana protesting in support of Lil Durk following his arrest. In the clip, young boys and girls can be seen holding a flag representing Only the Family, Lil Durk's fan group, while wearing OTF and Durk-themed t-shirts as they march through the streets of Ghana, calling for Durk's release.
The statement and protest come after Lil Durk's arrest on October 24, 2024, in Florida. He faces federal charges for allegedly financing an attempted revenge killing of rapper Quando Rondo at a Los Angeles gas station in 2022, which led to the death of Rondo's cousin. Lil Durk, whose real name is Durk Devontay Banks, was arrested at Miami International Airport while attempting to leave the country.
Additionally, NPR reports that five other members of the Only the Family group—Kavon London Grant, Deandre Dontrell Wilson, Keith Jones, David Brian Lindsey, and Asa Houston—were also arrested on suspicion related to the case.
According to Variety, Durk and five associates are accused of being involved in the murder of Quando Rondo as part of a retaliation for the killing of Big Von, who was reportedly shot by Quando Rondo's associate, Lul Timm, in 2020. Big Von was signed to Durk's label at his death.
Speaking to NPR, the United States attorney for Los Angeles, Martin Estrada, explained the shooting and called it "a cold-blooded murder" —
"Mr. Banks is charged with orchestrating a cold-blooded murder that resulted in the death of a rival's family member. The shooting occurred in the open, at a gas station at a busy intersection, endangering many others in the area," Estrada said in a statement.
Additionally, on October 25, 2024, a press release from the United States Attorney's Office for the Central District of California indicated that if Lil Durk and his five associates are found guilty of the federal charges, they could face a maximum life sentence in prison.
Moreover, according to NPR, FBI Agent Sarah Corcoran stated in her affidavit that members of OTF participate in acts of violence, such as murder and assault, under the direction of Banks to uphold their standing within the group.
Corcoran's affidavit and federal court documents show that the shooting is linked to the November 2020 murder of OTF rapper King Von, who was 26 when he was killed at an Atlanta nightclub. The incident followed a confrontation between Von and Rondo, during which a friend of Rondo's pulled a gun and shot Von multiple times, leading to his death.
Moreover, according to Corcoran's statement, on August 18, 2022, Durk associates discovered that Rondo was residing at a hotel in Los Angeles. Deandre Wilson, Keith Jones, David Lindsey, Asa Houston, and a fifth unidentified individual traveled from Chicago to San Diego that same day. Subsequently, he drove to Los Angeles, utilizing funds supplied by Durk.
Corcoran's reports also allege that Durk texted an associate coordinating a flight for him, stating, "Don't book no flights under no names involved with me." Furthermore, the reports indicate that Durk stayed at a residence in the San Fernando Valley on that day.
In 2024, Lil Durk won the Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance for his song All My Life, but he is currently being held at Broward County Jail.
